One of the greats
My tears for our old boss
PREMIER League stars paid tribute to Big Jack by holding a minute’s silence yesterday – as Ireland football legends shed tears for their old boss.
Champions Liverpool were among teams who lined up around the centre circle to show their respect.
And Mick Mccarthy, who captained Ireland at the 1990 World Cup, led tributes from ex-internationals.
He said: “I loved the bones of the man, I am devastated with this news and my heart goes out to Pat and the family.
“Jack’s passing will touch Ireland,
England and the football world but the loss to football will be felt in Ireland more than anywhere else.
“English fans will always remember Jack as one of their World Cup winners in 1966 but what he did with Ireland will, I suspect, mean even more to our fans and the country.”
Former Ireland striker Niall Quinn said: “I’m sure I’m not the only Irish person who shed a tear or two this morning. I’m devastated.
“I am finding it very hard to put into words what Jack meant to the country, and to those of us lucky enough to have played for him in an Ireland shirt.”
Andy Townsend, Ireland’s captain at the 1994 World Cup, said: “It was an honour and privilege to play for him, work for him, laugh with him and share a pint with him.”
Ex-aston Villa star Paul Mcgrath wrote: “Father figure to me for ten years, thanks for having faith in me. Sleep well Jack, Love ya.”
Fans of Jack’s old club Leeds United left tributes at Elland Road yesterday.